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New theater in Marquette Township a positive for area

A groundbreaking ceremony Thursday kicked off what is expected to be an excellerated construction schedule for a brand new state-of-the-art multiplex theater in Marquette Township.

But according to Thomas Theatre Group owner Tom Andes, this will by no means be just any new theater. The features of the facility -many which will not be revealed until the grand opening next year- will be unique not only to the Upper Peninsula, but unique to multiplex theaters themselves.

The $6.9 million building project will include a 31,667 square-foot theater with 10 screens, with eventual plans to expand to 14. With all of the theaters at full capacity, the multiplex will seat 1,115 people. The development will also include a 280-space parking lot. In all, Andes said about $10 million is being spent on the theater.

“This will be without a doubt, the nicest theater in the country,” said Andes, whose family-owned business also operates the Tri-City Cinema 8 in Quinnesec and the Willow Creek Cinema 8 in Escanaba.

Many of the features of the decor of the new Marquette theater will highlight the Upper Peninsula’s mining and timbering heritage. The business is expected to create up to 50 new jobs for the area and the money spent from the business will stay in the region, Andes said.

We think this is an exciting new development and think it means good news for Marquette area moviegoers and those seeking family-oriented entertainment.

The theater plans to offer discounts for businesses, students and other groups and will have a party room that can be reserved for private events. The theater itself will have stadium seating, digital projection and sound and 3-D capabilities.

If construction moves ahead as scheduled, the theater should be open to the public early next summer.

Andes said the welcome the company has received in the Marquette area has been fantastic and a breath of fresh air, which he said makes a difference to an young entrepreneur.

We want to join Marquette Township in welcoming the new theater to the area and we eagerly await showtime.

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